MODERN STATE OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL TOURISM

Abstract

The article explores the concept of sports and recreational tourism. It defines the basic characteristics and goals of sports and recreational tourism, analyzes its varieties and functions. Various approaches to defining this concept are examined, and typical features and peculiarities are identified. The classification of sports and recreational tourism contributes to a more in-depth study of its modifications, determining key development trends and characteristics, and facilitates the systematization of knowledge for a deeper understanding of the essence of sports and recreational tourism. Health and sports activities are one of the most accessible and widespread forms of recreation. Its role will continue to grow, considering the objectively determined decrease in physical mobility and activity among people due to the nature of the development of modern society. Sports tourism is a component of modern tourism, the most active and dynamic part of tourist activity based on communal principles. Sports tourism is also a type of sport that includes various active tourist activities, sports hikes of all difficulty levels, championships, and competitions in all types of sports tourism (hiking, skiing, mountain, water, cycling, motorcycle, car, spelunking, and sailing), complex events, and expeditions. This type of tourism not only offers the opportunity to travel but also involves engaging in sports, preserving and improving health while deriving pleasure from active recreation. One of the key characteristics of sports and recreational tourism is the variety of activities that can be involved in this type of travel. This may include cycling tourism, hiking, water sports, mountaineering, skiing resorts, kayaking or canoeing, snowboarding, and many other activities. This variety provides the opportunity to choose sports activities according to physical abilities and personal preferences. The second key component of sports and recreational tourism is its promotion of a healthy lifestyle. The activities offered by this type of tourism contribute to physical fitness improvement, health preservation, and overall well-being. It allows people not only to relax but also to maintain and improve their health, deriving satisfaction from activity and new travel experiences. Moreover, sports and recreational tourism contribute to understanding among people and create a favourable atmosphere for interaction and joint activities. Travellers who choose this type of journey often travel in groups, where they interact, support each other, and collectively achieve sports goals. This also contributes to the formation of new friendships and team relationships. With the development of infrastructure, sports and recreational tourism become more accessible and popular for the public. This type of travel offers the opportunity to combine the pleasure of relaxation and activity, preserving and improving health, and provides unforgettable travel experiences. Key words: tourism, sports and recreational tourism, sports tourism, functions of sports and recreational tourism, types of sports and recreational tourism.